Sonoma Shuts Out Vigilantes

Sonoma County’s Travis Thurman pitched a five-hitter with 15 strikeouts to lead the Crushers past the Vigilantes, 3-0, in a Western League game Monday night in Rohnert Park.

Mission Viejo (48-40) must defeat Sonoma County (48-40) tonight and in the regular season’s final game Wednesday to clinch a playoff berth. The Crushers hold the edge in the tiebreaker: more victories against Southern Division opponents.

Thurman (6-5) gave up four singles and a double for the Crushers, who with one more victory will advance to the playoffs to face Southern Division-winner Chico.

Mission Viejo’s John Homan (3-3) took the loss, pitching 7 2/3 innings, giving up nine hits, three earned runs with four walks and three strikeouts.

Trailing 3-0 in the top of the sixth, Mission Viejo loaded the bases, but Thurman retired Robert Muro on a fly to right.

Kendrick Davis and Brad Gennaro each had two hits for the Vigilantes.

Mission Viejo’s Brent Hansen (5-7, 4.56 earned-run average) is scheduled to face Sonoma County’s Tony Coscia (9-4, 4.02) tonight.